For my brother, Luke

My apologies to everyone… I know I haven’t posted in a couple of weeks. There’s a lot going on with the preparation for school and what not, and I feel so easily distracted these day. I’ve had a few ideas for this weeks blog (and last weeks)… but before I’ve had the time (or taken the time) to write them down, they have all just floated away. A few people have been on my mind that I am loath to say goodbye to as this new school year begins. This post is for my younger brother, Luke.

Luke heads to Montana State University this week. He spent a few days here in Fort Collins with us before packing up this weekend. I really enjoyed the time with him. He is one of the smartest young men that I know, and as he is majoring in Biochemistry and minoring in Music; I’m sure he’ll do just fine. As his older sister; and as the sister who is and OLDEST CHILD… I feel the sadness of his leaving as sharply as anyone does, but I also feel the need to encourage him in the way he is going. It is hard to say goodbye, especially when your family members are saying to you, “Don’t Go…” And I have been as guilty of this as much as the next person.

I have always been proud of Luke; I have always loved to brag on my “genius brother” or my “ninja brother”, though he hates it when I do. I have been amazed alongside everyone else at his ability to teach himself piano; (starting with a pretty difficult first song we might add!) He is a whiz at math and science, yet he also has the sensitivity (and sometimes the melancholy 😉 of a writer. He has a trilogy planned out and is almost finished with the first novel. I am proud to be his editor! He has also taken numerous roles (several of them leads) in CYT Parker’s shows such as Beauty and the Beast, Narnia, Cinderella, and many many more. But above all these accomplishments, Luke is also a dedicated brother, and a caring young man. He is passionate about nearly everything, and a deep thinker. He cares deeply for his friends and family and loves them with a heart of gold. Luke has always been there for me; to give me a hug, to talk to me, to make me laugh and I know he will be still because Montana is certainly not too far for Skype to reach! I am glad for him as he takes this next step in his adventure; this next phase of his life with continue to mold him and make him into the man that God has planned for him to be. I am so excited!

So here’s to you Luke… may Montana open your eyes to the things you desire to learn about the world, as well as to the people that you might meet, and most importantly; to the things you may also learn about yourself. May you see that you are who you are, not because of what you do, but because of the heart and soul with which you do it. May you come to value your alone times as much as the times spent with others learning; and may you come to know the Lord even more as the Good Father who always prepares Good things; Better things, for his children. You go with our blessings, our love, and our hope on your life. We’ll see you again soon.

Doris Morton

I can hear Grace’s love for Luke here in written word. I feel it from her heart. It is also there from everyone in our family. Luke is Special in many ways and while we look forward to what God has for him with great expectation we will miss him so much. Our family is “tight!” We love a lot! Thank you Grace for putting on paper what is in all of our hearts. Luke will take with him the love we have extended since he was a little fellow always where you were. That the great thing about love. The more you give of it the more it grows. I’m excited to see what God has for Luke. I know he’s special in God’s eyes and it is now time to let him begin his adventure. “Go with God, Luke” sums up how I feels and I think that is what Grace has said so well. Good job, big sister!

About Me

Hello! I’m Gracie. I am a wife, a mama, and a follower of King Jesus. I love my garden and my goats and all things #homesteadyish. I love being a small-home maker, because small houses take less time to clean, and that means I have more time to spend on my tiny farm of a backyard. I love the flexibility of being a stay at home Mommy & Writer. As a general rule, if I'm too busy to make jam, then I'm too busy. This to me says, I value a full life, but not a full calendar, and I love to take life in season. Farm/Garden to table cooking is my absolute favorite, and I don't mind a little dirt under my fingernails. There's nothing better than a harvest; literally and figuratively.
And that's why I'm here, to encourage you to cultivate a fruitful life; whatever that looks like for you with your gifts, in your season, for the Glory of the God who loves you and made you. Won't you come along with me? I promise, we'll walk slowly.